Circuit board manufacturing apparatus with protection function for supervising/adjusting mode and method of operating the apparatus

ABSTRACT

A circuit board manufacturing apparatus and a method of operating the same are disclosed having a protection function for preventing a supervising/adjusting mode to which a limited user only is accessible, from being altered where the mode is left without being logged off. The apparatus and the method are provided with a job mode in which the manipulation is allowed to be performed by general operators who have an authority to operate the apparatus and a supervising/adjusting mode in which the manipulation is not allowed to the general operators, but is allowed only to a specified user. In the case that the apparatus is placed in the supervising/adjusting mode, a protection control is executed to automatically terminate the supervising/adjusting mode when a predetermined time period expires with the manipulation in that mode being kept not performed.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C.sctn. 119 with respect to Japanese Application No. 2002-119933 filed onMar. 18, 2002, the entire content of which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an electronic parts assemblingapparatus having a supervising/adjusting mode and an operating methodtherefor.

[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art:

[0005] At a job site where circuit board manufacturing apparatus such aselectronic parts assembling apparatus are used, it has been a practicethat the operators for computers (terminals) incorporated into themanufacturing apparatus are distinguished into usually one linesupervisor (called as “super user”) for supervising the circuit boardmanufacturing apparatus and usually plural general operators (called as“general users”) for bringing the manufacturing apparatus into operationunder the direction of the line supervisor.

[0006] In this case, with respect to the operation of the manufacturingapparatus, the line supervisor is given all of the authorities for linemanagement including “supervising/adjusting” the apparatus, whereas thegeneral operators are given only the authority to operate the apparatuson a regular basis, that is, the authority to practice the productiononly.

[0007] The line supervisor and the general operators make personalcertifications to log in to the terminals of the manufacturing apparatusand carries out input manipulation by means of a touch panel display. Inthe case of the general operators, the authority for manipulation isrestrained because only those input and output screens which meet theauthority given to him or her are displayed during the manipulation.

[0008] The reason why the levels of the authority are made differentlike this is to make the roles of those responsible for the linedefinite (i.e., making the responsible person identical to the linesupervisor) and to enable beginners to perform their works easily asgeneral operators.

[0009] On the other hands, it has been known as described in for exampleJapanese unexamined, published patent applications No. 5-274270(1993-274270) and No. 2000-315189 that when a predetermined time periodpasses without any manipulation in the state that a user is enabled tomanipulate a computer upon completion of logging-in with certification,the user in the log in state is automatically logged off of thecomputer.

[0010] It may be often the case that the line supervisor for amanufacturing apparatus leaves his or her job site for some reasonduring log-in in a supervising/adjusting mode or he or she may go homewithout performing logging-off. In this case, it may happen that ageneral operator erroneously manipulates the screens relating to the“supervising/adjusting” dedicated to the line supervisor and alters thesettings of the apparatus for which he is not authorized. This may giveraise to serious problems such as the stopping and malfunction of themanufacturing apparatus, the manufacturing of inferior goods, accidentand the like.

[0011] In addition, the same problem as above may take place in acomputer system of the field wherein there exist a superior supervisorwho is given a special authority to supervise the entire system andgeneral operators who utilize individual terminals of the system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is therefore a primary object of the present invention toprovide a circuit board manufacturing apparatus and an operating methodtherefor having a supervising/adjusting mode protection function capableof preventing settings from being altered due to thesupervising/adjusting mode left without being logged off.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a circuitboard manufacturing apparatus and an operating method therefor having asupervising/adjusting mode protection function which does not makecauses to obstruct the progress of the production (the apparatusoperation) as well as to lower the production efficiency.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide acomputer system of the type having a plurality of terminals connectedvia a network wherein there is provided a supervising/adjusting modeprotection function capable of preventing settings from being altereddue to the supervising/adjusting mode left without being logged off.

[0015] Briefly, the present invention provides a circuit boardmanufacturing apparatus and a method of operating the same, whichincludes a computer for controlling the apparatus and has a job mode inwhich a general operator who is given an authority relating to theoperation of the apparatus is allowed to perform the manipulation and asupervising/adjusting mode in which the general operator is notauthorized to manipulate the computer, but a specified user isauthorized to manipulate the computer. In the apparatus and the method,a protection control is executed to automatically terminate thesupervising/adjusting mode when a predetermined time period expires inthe state that the manipulation in connection with thesupervising/adjusting mode is not performed with the circuit boardmanufacturing apparatus being placed in the supervising/adjusting mode.

[0016] According to the present invention, where a line supervisorhaving logged in leaves the job site over a predetermined time period,the supervising/adjusting mode is automatically logged off so as toprevent the general operator from manipulating a supervising/adjustingscreen. That is, where a problem occurs in the apparatus, the linesupervisor switches the apparatus with his or her password into thesupervising/adjusting mode and works in the mode. However, it may beoften the case that upon the problem solved, the line supervisor leavesthe apparatus without entering a logoff command for thesupervising/adjusting mode. In such case, the apparatus counts the timeperiod during which no access is made, and when the counted time periodreaches a predetermined time period, automatically logs off of thesupervising/adjusting mode.

[0017] In one example, the time period during which the manipulation ona touch panel is not performed is counted by a timer, and a log-off isautomatically generated when the counted time period reaches apredetermined time period (which makes the line supervisor assumed tohave left the job site). By doing so, the foregoing drawbacks can beobviated to the utmost.

[0018] Further, even where the screens for the “supervising/adjusting”can be protected by taking measures to automatically generate the logoffcommand, it must be avoided that the progress of production (i.e., theoperation of the apparatus) is impeded or obstructed. To this end, thefollowing improvements are made to keep the production efficiency ashigh as possible.

[0019] That is, in another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a circuit board manufacturing apparatus and a method ofoperating the same, which includes a computer for controlling theapparatus and has a job mode in which a general operator who is given anauthority relating to the operation of the apparatus is able tomanipulate the computer and a supervising/adjusting mode in which thegeneral operator is not authorized to manipulate the computer, but aspecified user is authorized to manipulate the computer. The apparatusand the method is provided with an automatic logoff function which iscapable of automatically logging off the supervising/adjusting modeimmediately if the operation of the apparatus according to a priorcommand is not continued when a predetermined time period expires in thestate that no manipulation is performed in connection with thesupervising/adjusting mode, but automatically logging off thesupervising/adjusting mode after the operation of the apparatus isterminated if the same is continued at that time. Preferably, theautomatic logging off is not executed while the general operator haslogged in to the computer.

[0020] In the automatic logoff function, the display screen panel isswitched over and by reference to an internal clock, the logging off isautomatically executed to alter the panel for a default user. If thedefault user cannot perform the manipulation on the panel, or anydefault user has not been set, the logging in to the computer isexecuted by the super user to alter or adjust the settings on thesupervising/adjusting panel, and at the expiration of a waiting time,the supervising/adjusting panel is altered to a login panel, upon whicha user having an authority to access thereto can enter a re-logincommand again. Where the re-login command is not entered, an emergencystop switch is pressed to carry out the shutdown of the computer, andafter the re-stating of the same, the login command can be entered by ageneral operator.

[0021] On the screen after the automatic logging is executed, a user whohas logged in with his or her certification is able to carry outmanipulation. When the predetermined time period expires in the statethat any manipulation has not been performed, the user who has presentlylogged in is automatically logged off, and instead, another user (e.g.,a default user) designated in advance is automatically logged in withouthis or her certification.

[0022] In the automatic logoff function according to the presentinvention, if the production according to a prior command is continuedeven when the time period set for the automatic logging off expires, thelogging off is executed upon the termination of the production, wherebythere can be obviated such shortcomings that the production isdiscontinued by the use of the automatic logoff function.

[0023] In addition, the automatic login function is executed under thecondition that a default user has been set. Where any default user hasnot been set, a re-login accepting screen is displayed after theautomatic logging off is executed. In this case, a user who is allowedto re-log in is limited to the user who had an authority to manipulatethe last touch panel screen before the logging off.

[0024] Consequently, when the line supervisor comes back to the job sitein a hurry, he or she is allowed to re-login immediately withoutcarrying out the shutdown of the computer for the purpose of returningto the previous manipulation operations.

[0025] In a further aspect of the invention, the users who are allowedto re-log in are displayed on the re-login accepting screen forselection. This advantageously makes it clear who is allowed to re-login, so that the manipulation required to re-log in can be done easierthan that required for the usual logging in.

[0026] In a still further aspect of the invention, even in the case thatthe default user has been set, the automatic logging in is not executedand instead, the re-login accepting screen is displayed if the screenmanipulated lastly before the automatic logoff was that relating to thesupervising/adjusting screen. The fact that manipulated lastly was thesupervising/adjusting screen means the possibility that the super userleft the job site with the setting on the supervising/adjusting screenbeing left insufficient, and therefore, the production operation can bediscontinued in such case, so that the manufacturing of inferior goodscan advantageously be prevented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0027] The foregoing and other objects and many of the attendantadvantages of the present invention may readily be appreciated as thesame becomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments of the present invention whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate the same or corresponding parts throughoutseveral views, and in which:

[0028]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a circuit board manufacturingapparatus with a supervising/adjusting mode protection function as oneembodiment according to the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of astorage section;

[0030]FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an example of a listregistering a line supervisor, general operators and a default user;

[0031]FIG. 4 is an explanatory view illustrating the hierarchy ofdisplay screens (touch panel screens) in an input mode after the superuser logged in;

[0032]FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of displayscreens (touch panel screens) for the general users and the defaultuser;

[0033]FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an operation flow beginning from alogin screen for a super user;

[0034]FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the first half of an example ofinput manipulation, setting alteration or adjustment effected on asupervising/adjusting panel;

[0035]FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the remaining half following FIG. 7;

[0036]FIG. 9 is a front view showing an example of a login acceptingscreen (1) for the super user on a touch panel screen;

[0037]FIG. 10 is a front view showing an example of a menu screen (2)for the super user;

[0038]FIG. 11 is a front view showing an example of a maintenance screen(3) for the super user;

[0039]FIG. 12 is a front view showing an example of an operator settingscreen (4) for the super user;

[0040]FIG. 13 is a front view showing an example of an auto logofffunction setting screen (5) for the super user;

[0041]FIG. 14 is a front view showing an example of a screen forexecuting a usual logging off;

[0042]FIG. 15 is a front view showing an example of a menu screen forthe general users;

[0043]FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of an auto logofffunction;

[0044]FIG. 17 is a front view showing an example of a re-login acceptingscreen (6);

[0045]FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an auto logoff function executedin the case of any default user being not set; and

[0046]FIG. 19 is an explanatory view of another embodiment ormodification according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be describedhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1,there is shown a block diagram of a circuit board manufacturingapparatus having a supervising/adjusting mode protection function of anembodiment according to the present invention. A numeral 10 denotes ahost computer (a control server for the manufacturing apparatus) whichsupervisingly controls a plurality of circuit board manufacturingapparatus 20 (lines 20A to 20N) via a communication network 12. Eachcircuit board manufacturing apparatus 20 comprises a control section 21,an input section 22, a display section 23, a communication section 24, atimer section 25, a storage section 26 and a production executionsection 27. The configuration of the circuit board manufacturingapparatus 20 except for the production execution section 27 is embodiedby, for example, a computer provided with a CPU, a memory, programs andinput and output means. The display section 23 includes a touch paneldisplay (a supervising/adjusting panel) having a part of the functionsthat the input section 22 carries out.

[0049] The control section 21 is provided as the functions to beexecuted thereby with a “supervising/adjusting mode” in which thealteration of settings and adjusting can be done and a “production mode”in which production operation can be executed at least. Users(operators) of the circuit board manufacturing apparatus 20 areindividually supervised in their user names and passwords for logging-inand have respective commands assigned thereto which are possible forrespective users to execute. When one of the lines 20A through 20N underthe control of the line supervisor is involved in troubles, he comes upto the troubled line or apparatus and logs in to thesupervising/adjusting mode so as to perform adjustment and settingalteration. In addition to conventional control concerning the circuitboard manufacturing apparatus 20, the control section 21 executes anautomatic logoff/login function and an automatic login function whichare features of the present invention. Herein, the term “login” or “login” has the same meaning as the term “logon” or “log on” as used in thefield concerned.

[0050] The communication section 24 controls the communication with thehost computer 10 and the like via the network 12. More specifically, thecommunication section 24 operates to receive a new “production program”sent from the host computer 10 and to transmit the operation stateinformation on the circuit board manufacturing apparatus 20 to the hostcomputer 10 for centralized management of the production state at thehost computer 10.

[0051] The timer section 25 includes a timer for counting the timeduring which the touch panel is left not to be manipulated. The timersection 25 resets its time count each time it is made know of themanipulation of the touch panel. When the time count reaches apredetermined time period, such is informed to the control section 21,whereby the automatic logoff function is executed as will be describedlater in detail.

[0052] The production execution section 27 comprises the mechanicalsection of the manufacturing apparatus 20 which section performs loadingand unloading circuit boards and mounting electronic parts on the loadedcircuit boards.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, programs and data necessary for theproduction are stored in the storage section 26. Further, programs anddata for executing the automatic logoff function, the automatic loginfunction and the like which feature the present invention are alsostored in the storage section 26. In this particular embodiment, atleast the following information is stored in the storage section 26.

[0054] (a)“Production Job Programs” 261

[0055] These programs specify the kinds, coordinates and mounting orderof the electronic parts to be mounted on each of the circuit boards andare executed at the production execution section 27.

[0056] (b)“Apparatus Operation State Data” 262

[0057] The data represent the drive condition set for the circuit boardmanufacturing apparatus 20 such as, for example, the drive feed rate ofa part mounting head, the kinds of nozzles to be attached, various fixedvalues (i.e., parameters) and the like. The data can be set or alteredby the super user.

[0058] (c)“Registered User Data” 263

[0059] The data is for administrating the registered user names andpasswords.

[0060] (d)“Execution Program for Control of Automatic logoff/login” 264

[0061] The program is for executing the automatic logoff function andthe automatic login function featuring the present invention.

[0062] (e)“Data Items to be Set in Advance for Execution Program” 265

[0063] The data include data items which are to be set for the programswhich execute the automatic logoff function and the automatic loginfunction. For example, the data includes a predetermined time periodwhich is to be taken for the automatic logoff function to be broughtinto operation. The line supervisor sets the time period.

[0064] The line supervisor, general operators and default users havebeen designated in advance, about which data are registered as“registered user data” 263 in the storage device 26.

[0065]FIG. 3 shows an example of a registration list for the linesupervisor, general operators and default user. The general operatorsand the default user have the respective authorities which arerestrained or limited by the super user.

[0066] The line supervisor (i.e. super user) is a user who has all theauthorities regarding the manipulation and setting of the machine andusually is assumed by a supervisor or responsible person for the line.To be more exact, the line supervisor has an “authority to bring themachine into operation (automatic operation)”, another “authority toalter the settings of the machine”, another “authority to register anddelete the general users and the default user”, another authority to setthe automatic logoff (including the setting of the default user)” andother various authorities. Usually, there is designated one linesupervisor, but there may be plural line supervisors if need be. Theline supervisor has a particular password.

[0067] Each general user (general operator) only has an “authority tobring the machine into operation (automatic operation)”. Morespecifically, he or she has an authority to operate and stop the machinetogether with auxiliary authorities necessary to continue the operationof the machine such as, for example, an authority to set new parts inshort of parts. Usually, the general users are those who work forproduction under the control of the super user.

[0068] The default user is the user who has the same authority as thegeneral users, but who is registered by the super user as thedestination of the automatic login which is executed in succession tothe automatic logoff.

[0069] Where the default user has been registered, the automatic loginis executed being directed to the default user after the automaticlogoff for the super user is executed. That is, the default user is tobecome a receiver or accepter of the automatic login which is executedafter the automatic logoff for the super user.

[0070] Usually, the password for the default user is made known to allof those concerned with the line. This enables anyone concerned with theline to log in as the default user.

[0071] The general users and the default user have no authority for“maintenance”. Although they basically have authorities for “production”and “setup”, the functions of their authorities can be restrained by thesuper user, so that any authority so restrained cannot be performed.

[0072]FIG. 4 shows the hierarchy in an input mode on the display screen(touch panel screen) 230 after the super user logs in. The hierarchy inthe input mode includes a Login area (1), a super user menu (2), amaintenance area (3), an operator setting area (4) and an super userauto logoff area (5). The super user menu (2) contains the areas forproduction and setup.

[0073]FIG. 5 shows a display screen (touch panel screen) 230 for thegeneral users and the default user. The menu (7) on the display screenfor the general users does not include the maintenance area (3), theoperator setting area (4) and the super user auto logoff area (5) and islimited to the areas for production and setup.

[0074] More specifically, the maintenance mode is not prepared for thegeneral users, and the intrusion into the maintenance area (3), theoperator setting area (4) and the super user auto logoff area (5) is notallowed to anyone but the super user.

[0075] (Operation)

[0076] The operation of the embodiment of the circuit boardmanufacturing apparatus according to the present invention will bedescribed hereinafter with reference to FIG. 6 and those successivethereto. The embodiment is assumed to be in the case that the linesupervisor is administrated in the name of super user, and it is assumedthat where the line supervisor left the apparatus with asupervising/adjusting panel being displayed on the screen to which thegeneral operators are not given the authority to access, the login is tobe manipulated again by the super user.

[0077] First of all, FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation flowwhich begins from the login screen. The manipulation for login isperformed on the touch panel display of the display section 23 havingthe function of the input section 22. (step 602) Namely, with the loginscreen being displayed, the super user (usually, the line supervisor) ora general operator (general user) inputs his or her password to log in.(step 604) FIG. 9 exemplifies an example of a login receiving screen onthe tough panel screen for the super user. Upon his or her certificationmade (step 606), the routine moves to a super user menu screen (2) shownin FIG. 10 in the case of the super user (step 608) or to a general usermenu screen (7) shown in FIG. 15 (step 610). The detailed description ofthe general user menu screen will be made later.

[0078] When the super user logs in, as shown in FIG. 7, inputmanipulation is done on the supervising/adjusting panel to alter thesettings or adjust the same. (step 616)

[0079] In the super user menu screen (2) shown in FIG. 10, the superuser is allowed to select “Production” which comprises those commandsfor use in the execution of the production, “Setup” and “Maintenance”which is provided for altering the condition for the production. (step618) The selection (step 620) of the “Maintenance” causes the routine togo to the super user maintenance screen (3) shown in FIG. 11. (step622). Conditions and commands which can be set and/or manipulated by thesuper user only who is the supervisor of the manufacturing lines 20Athrough 20N are gathered on the super user maintenance screen (3). Whenthe super user selects “Operator Setting” by manipulation (step 626),there is reached an operator setting screen for super user (4) shown inFIG. 12. (step 630) If selected is not “Operator Setting”, commandswhich are related to the selected maintenance are executed. (step 628)

[0080] On the operator setting screen for super user (4), an “OperatorSetting” key is depressed, so that the new registration and/or thedeletion of any operator (general user) is carried out in accordancewith the processing shown in FIG. 8. (steps 632 through 636). Further,the registration or alteration is also done with respect to theauthorities of the operators for manipulation.

[0081] When “Super User Auto Logoff” is selected on the operator settingscreen for super user (4) (step 634), the routine moves to an autologoff function setting screen for super user (5) shown in FIG. 13.(step 638) Switching is possible of whether this function is to be usedon the apparatus or not. The time period taken for the auto logofffunction to become effective is placed to be settable because it dependson the user's preference. The name of a default user who has theauthority for manipulation at the time up is also possible to designate.In this manner, the auto logoff function is to be altered depending onthe manipulation by the super user. (steps 640 through 642)

[0082] When the usual log-off is to be done after the series ofmanipulations, a logoff execution key shown in FIG. 14 is manipulated.

[0083] Next, the operation of the auto logoff function will be describedhereinafter. FIG. 16 shows the execution flow chart for the auto logofffunction. This is the flow chart which is executed in dependence uponthe judgment of the control section 21 made when the super user logs inin the case of the default user having been set.

[0084] After the starting, judgments are made of whether or not nomanipulation has gone on during a predetermined time period (step 1602)and of whether the screen which was last manipulated is “Maintenance” ornot. (step 1604) Where the last manipulated screen is “Production”, afurther judgment is made of whether or not the production beingpresently executed has completed. That is, because it might be the casethat the production operation is still under way, the judgment is made(step 1606) as to whether the production being presently executed hasbeen completed or not (step 1606). When the production operation isjudged to have been completed, the super user is automatically loggedoff (step 1608)

[0085] If the last manipulated screen is “Maintenance”, it cannot be thecase that the production operation is under execution, and therefore,the auto logoff is made immediately. That is, the super user isautomatically brought into logoff. (step 1612). Further, reference ismade to a user registration list to select a user who had the authorityfor the last manipulated screen. (step 1614) Then, the re-loginreceiving screen (6) is displayed as shown in FIG. 17, whereby the namesof users who are allowed to log in again are displayed for selection. Inthis case, the super user is selected and displayed as the user who isauthorized to log in again. Where the production is to be continuedthough the super user is present at the job site, the re-login cannot beexecuted, and therefore, the login is executed after executing theshutdown of the system.

[0086] Once the auto logoff and the auto login are executed in thismanner, it is difficult or impossible for any general user to call upthe supervising/adjusting mode because he or she does not know thepassword of the line supervisor. Accordingly, the general user is madeunable to alter the settings in the supervising/adjusting mode. As aresult, the apparatus is prevented from being made inoperative, and thechance to manufacture inferior goods is expected to decrease.

[0087] In an auto logoff function setting screen for super user (5)shown in FIG. 13, it can be done to make the auto logoff function ON orOFF (i.e., in use or not in use), to set a time period to be expireduntil the auto logoff function works and to set a user (anyone of thegeneral users) who is authorized to execute the auto login right afterthe auto logoff. A default user (who is a general user for whom theleast authority for manipulation has been set) who is a general user notspecified usually as an individual is set as the user who is authorizedfor manipulation after the auto login. It is to be noted that settingthe general user or the default user to whom the auto login followingthe auto logoff is destined is not necessarily required.

[0088]FIG. 18 shows the execution flow chart for the auto logofffunction in the case that no default user has been set. Morespecifically, the flow chart is that which is executed depending uponthe judgment of the control section 21 when the super user logs in inthe case of the default user having not been set.

[0089] After the starting of the routine, a judgment is made (step 1802)of whether or not non-manipulation has gone on for a predetermined timeperiod, and then, another judgment is made (step 1804) of whether or notthe production being now performed has been completed. If the judgmentsare both “yes”, then the super user is automatically made log off (step1806). Further, reference is made to the user registration list toselect users who had the authority for the last manipulation screen(step 1808). Further, the re-login receiving screen (6) as shown in FIG.17 is displayed (step 1810). Since a user who is authorized tomanipulate the re-login is selectable on this screen, the users who hadthe authority to manipulate the last manipulation screen are determinedto become the users who could be authorized to manipulate the re-loginand are displayed on the re-login receiving screen for selection.

[0090] That is, in the case that no default user has been set or thatalthough a default use has been set, the last manipulation screen forthe super user is the screen which is included in the maintenance mode,the re-login screen after auto logoff (6) shown in FIG. 17 is displayedright after the auto logoff, so that it becomes possible to accept there-login.

[0091] Where no default user is designated or a default user selected isnot authorized to access with the re-login screen (6) shown in FIG. 17being displayed right after the auto logoff, the routine goes to displaythe following login screen on which the re-login becomes necessary.

[0092] More specifically, on the re-login screen (6) after the executionof the auto logoff, the users who had the authority to access to thelast manipulation screen on which the auto logoff was executed aredisplayed to be selected as the user who can enter the re-login (i.e.,to be selectable on the “Operator” field. For instance, where the lastmanipulation screen was the setting screen for altering the “ConveyorWidth” of “Production” as shown in FIG. 15, both of the super user andthe general user are displayed to be selected as one who can enter there-login (provided that of the general users, one who does not have theauthority to alter the conveyor width is excluded). Where the lastmanipulation screen was of those screens included in the “Maintenance”as shown in FIG. 14, the super user only is displayed as one who canenter the re-login.

[0093] Referring now back to FIG. 6, if the password input does notspecify the super user (step 606), the menu screen for the general usersis designated to be displayed. FIG. 15 exemplifies the menu screen (7)appearing when anyone of the general users (including the default user)logs in. The general operators manipulate the production executionsection 27 by means of the menu screen (7). No command for “Maintenance”is prepared in this menu screen (7). Further, it may be the case thatthe authorities of the general operators with respect to the“Production” and the “Setup” are restrained or limited by the superuser.

[0094] (Other Embodiments or Modifications)

[0095]FIG. 19 shows another embodiment or modification according to thepresent invention. In this embodiment or modification, the destinationto which the auto login is directed in succession to the auto logoff maybe a designated user of another computer within the lines 20A through20N of the manufacturing apparatus 20 or one of designated computerterminals 10, 30, 32 outside the lines 20A through 20N. That is, thisembodiment or modification is effective where the plurality of thecomputers 10, 30, 32 outside the lines 20A through 20N of themanufacturing apparatus 20, together with those of the lines, areconnected via the network 12 and an auxiliary supervisor is designatedfor one of those within the lines 20A through 20N and other computers10, 30, 32 outside the lines. The designated computer terminals otherthan the computers within the lines 20A through 20N may include one ormore auxiliary supervisor terminals and other terminals within thefactory.

[0096] As described above, the function to automatically log in to adesignated user in succession to the auto logoff according to thepresent invention is applicable to various other manufacturing apparatusthan the circuit board manufacturing apparatus. For example, thefunction is applicable to those of the kind like a robot system whereinan operator is to be specified. Further, the function is also applicableto those apparatus in other fields than the circuit board manufacturingapparatus if they are of the type wherein users having differentauthorities are allowed to log in respectively. In other forms ofapplication, the function to automatically log in to a designated userin succession to the auto logoff may be afforded to those computerterminals of the section which carries out the maintenance ofmanufacturing apparatus or computer terminals for one or moresupervisors who are responsible to the manufacturing apparatus which areinstalled at a remote location for manufacturing related products.

[0097] Moreover, the function to automatically log in to a designateduser in succession to the auto logoff according to the present inventionis not limited to manufacturing apparatus in application field. Rather,the function is applicable to all computer systems of the field in whicha plurality of control computers are used connected via a network andwherein an upper supervisor who is given a special authority tosupervise the whole of the system coexists with general operators whoutilize individual terminals of the system. Also in this case, the sameadvantages or effects as those of the foregoing embodiment can beachieved by designating an upper supervisor, a default user and generalusers of the system in advance and by registering data relating to suchdesignation as “registered user data” in a storage device.

[0098] Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, thepresent invention may be practiced otherwise than as specificallydescribed herein.

What is claimed to be secured by the Letters Patent of the United Statesis:
 1. A method of operating a circuit board manufacturing apparatusincluding a computer for controlling the apparatus and having a job modein which a general operator who is given an authority relating to theoperation of the apparatus is allowed to manipulate the computer and asupervising/adjusting mode in which the general operator is notauthorized to manipulate the computer, but a specified user isauthorized to manipulate the computer, the method including a protectioncontrol function for automatically terminating the supervising/adjustingmode when a predetermined time period expires in the state that themanipulation in connection with the supervising/adjusting mode is notperformed with the circuit board manufacturing apparatus being placed inthe supervising/adjusting mode.
 2. A method of operating a circuit boardmanufacturing apparatus including a computer for controlling theapparatus and having a job mode in which a general operator who is givenan authority relating to the operation of the apparatus is allowed tomanipulate the computer and a supervising/adjusting mode in which thegeneral operator is not authorized to manipulate the computer, but aspecified user is authorized to manipulate the computer, in which methodwhen a predetermined time period expires with the computer being notmanipulated in the supervising/adjusting mode, the computer isautomatically logged off immediately if the operation for themanufacturing of circuit boards according to a prior instruction has notbeen continued, but is automatically logged off after the termination ofthe operation if the same has been continued.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein the circuit board manufacturing apparatus includes a displaydevice having a function to operate as a part of an input/output deviceand wherein the automatic logoff is effective only on a display screendisplayed on the display device in the specified mode, but is noteffective in other modes.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein theautomatic logoff is executed in the case that the screen on which thelast manipulation was carried out is an input screen for supervising andadjusting the circuit board manufacturing apparatus, but is not executedin the case that the screen on which the last manipulation was carriedout is a screen for inputting commands relating to the operation of thecircuit board manufacturing apparatus.
 5. A method of operating acircuit board manufacturing apparatus including a computer forcontrolling the apparatus and having a job mode in which a generaloperator who is given an authority relating to the operation of theapparatus is allowed to manipulate the computer and asupervising/adjusting mode in which the general operator is notauthorized to manipulate the computer, but a specified user isauthorized to manipulate the computer, in which method the specifieduser who has completed login with a certification is allowed to performmanipulation in the supervising/adjusting mode and wherein when apredetermined time period expires in the state of non-manipulation, theuser having logged in is automatically logged off and a default userdesignated in advance is automatically logged in without thecertification made by the specified user.
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein the destination to which the automatic login is directed insuccession to the automatic logoff is another designated computerterminal which is connected to the circuit board manufacturing apparatusvia a communication network.
 7. A circuit board manufacturing apparatusincluding a computer for controlling the apparatus and having a job modein which a general operator who is given an authority relating to theoperation of the apparatus is allowed to manipulate the computer and asupervising/adjusting mode in which the general operator is notauthorized to manipulate the computer, but a specified user isauthorized to manipulate the computer, the computer including aprotection control program for automatically terminating thesupervising/adjusting mode when a predetermined time period expires inthe state that manipulation is not performed in connection with thesupervising/adjusting mode with the circuit board manufacturingapparatus being placed in the supervising/adjusting mode.
 8. A circuitboard manufacturing apparatus including a computer for controlling theapparatus and having a job mode in which a general operator who is givenan authority relating to the operation of the apparatus is allowed tomanipulate the computer and a supervising/adjusting mode in which thegeneral operator is not authorized to manipulate the computer, but aspecified user is authorized to manipulate the computer, the computerincluding an automatic logoff program for executing an automatic logoffimmediately if the manufacturing operation of the apparatus according toa prior command has not been continued when the state that manipulationrelating to the supervising/adjusting mode is not performed is continuedfor a predetermined time period, but executing the automatic logoffafter the termination of the manufacturing operation of the apparatusaccording to the prior command if the manufacturing operation has beencontinued when the state is continued for the predetermined time period.9. A circuit board manufacturing apparatus including a computer forcontrolling the apparatus and having a job mode in which a generaloperator who is given an authority relating to the operation of theapparatus is allowed to manipulate the computer and asupervising/adjusting mode in which the general operator is notauthorized to manipulate the computer, but a specified user isauthorized to manipulate the computer, in which apparatus the specifieduser who has completed a login with a certification is allowed toperform the manipulation in the supervising/adjusting mode, the computerincluding an automatic logoff program for automatically logging off of auser presently logging in and then automatically logging in to a defaultuser designated in advance without the certification when apredetermined time period expires in the state of non-manipulation. 10.The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the destination to which the automaticlogin is directed in succession to the automatic logoff is anotherdesignated computer terminal which is connected to the circuit boardmanufacturing apparatus via a communication network.
 11. A method ofoperating a circuit board manufacturing apparatus including a computerfor controlling the apparatus and having a job mode in which a generaloperator who is given an authority relating to the operation of theapparatus is allowed to manipulate the computer and asupervising/adjusting mode in which the general operator is notauthorized to manipulate the computer, but a specified user isauthorized to manipulate the computer, in which method a user who hascompleted a login with a certification is allowed to performmanipulation, the computer including an automatic logoff program forautomatically logging off of the user who has completed the login withthe certification when a predetermined time period expires in the stateof non-manipulation and an automatic login program for automaticallylogging in to a default user designated in advance without thecertification by the specified user in succession to the automaticlogoff of the user who completed the login with the certification. 12.The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the computer includes a restartingprogram for requesting either for a re-login by the super user or forthe restating thereof.
 13. A method of controlling a computer systemwhich includes a plurality of computer terminals connected via acommunication network for controlling apparatus and wherein each of thecomputer terminals is operable in a job mode in which general users whohave an authority to operate the computer terminals are allowed toperform the manipulation of the computer terminals and in asupervising/adjusting mode in which the general users are not authorizedto manipulate the computer terminals, but a specified user is authorizedto manipulate the computer terminals, in which method a protectioncontrol is performed for automatically terminating thesupervising/adjusting mode of any one of the computer terminals when apredetermined time period expires in the state that the any one of thecomputer terminals is placed without being manipulated in thesupervising/adjusting mode.
 14. A method of controlling a computersystem which includes a plurality of computer terminals connected via acommunication network for controlling apparatus and wherein each of thecomputer terminals is operable in a job mode in which general users whohave an authority to operate the computer terminals are allowed toperform the manipulation of the computer terminals and in asupervising/adjusting mode in which the general users are not authorizedto manipulate the computer terminals, but a specified user is authorizedto manipulate the computer terminals, the method including the steps of:enabling one terminal of the computer terminals to be manipulated by thespecified user who has completed a login thereto with a certification,automatically logging off of a user who has logged in, of the oneterminal when a predetermined time period expires in the state that theone terminal is not manipulated, and in succession to the automaticlogoff, automatically logging in a default user designated in advance,to the one terminal without the certification by the specified user. 15.A method of controlling a computer system which includes a plurality ofcomputer terminals connected via a communication network for controllingapparatus and wherein each of the computer terminals is operable in ajob mode in which general users who have an authority to operate thecomputer terminals are allowed to perform the manipulation of thecomputer terminals and in a supervising/adjusting mode in which thegeneral users are not authorized to manipulate the computer terminals,but a specified user is authorized to manipulate the computer terminals,the method including the steps of: enabling one terminal of the computerterminals to be manipulated by the specified user who has completed alogin thereto with a certification, automatically logging off a user whohas logged in, of the one terminal when a predetermined time periodexpires in the state that the one terminal is not manipulated, and insuccession to the automatic logoff, making reference to a user list toselect users who have an authority for the last manipulation screen ofthe one terminal, determining default users who have an authority forre-login, as a result of the selection, and displaying the determineddefault users on a re-login receiving screen for selection.
 16. A methodof controlling a computer system which includes a plurality of computerterminals connected via a communication network for controllingapparatus and wherein each of the computer terminals is operable in ajob mode in which general users who have an authority to operate thecomputer terminals are allowed to perform the manipulation of thecomputer terminals and in a supervising/adjusting mode in which thegeneral users are not authorized to manipulate the computer terminals,but a specified user is authorized to manipulate the computer terminals,the method including the steps of: enabling one terminal of the computerterminals to be manipulated by the specified user who has completed alogin thereto with a certification; automatically logging off a user whohas logged in, of the one terminal when a predetermined time periodexpires in the state that the one terminal is not manipulated, and insuccession to the automatic logoff, automatically logging in to adefault user designated in advance, to the one terminal without thecertification by the specified user.
 17. A program for enabling acomputer to execute the following functions with respect to a terminalwhich is able to be manipulated by a specified user who has completed alogin with a certification: (a) automatically logging off a user havingpresently logged in, of the terminal when a predetermined time periodexpires in the state that the terminal is not manipulated, and (b) insuccession to the automatic logoff, automatically logging in a defaultuser designated in advance, to the terminal without the certification bythe specified user.
 18. A program for enabling a computer to execute thefollowing functions with respect to a terminal which is able to bemanipulated by a specified user who has completed a login with acertification, when a predetermined time period expires in the statethat the terminal is not manipulated; (a) automatically logging off auser having logged in, of the terminal, (b) in succession to theautomatic logoff, making reference to a user registration list to selectusers who have an authority for the manipulation on a screen manipulatedlastly, (c) determining users who have an authority to re-log in to theterminal, from the selected users; and (d) displaying the determinedusers on a re-login receiving screen for selection.